Fundamentals of Sustainability

(3 Credits)

How do we utilize resources productively and manage the conservation of nature in our daily lives today in a manner that also ensures the well-being of future generations? This is the challenge and practice of sustainability. The United Nations offers a shared blueprint for sustainability and prosperity for all peoples and the planet. This agenda centers on 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) that define the fundamental goals for sustainability, such as ending poverty and hunger, reducing inequalities and promoting gender equality, providing access to clean and affordable energy, clean water and sanitation, and availability of quality education and decent work opportunity, while combatting climate change and acting to preserve the natural world in ocean and other waterways and on land. This course will introduce students to the theoretical principals of sustainability and basic concepts related to sustainability and sustainability management. The course will begin with the history of sustainability and the evolution of related concepts and practices and introduce how sustainability concepts and targets are implemented by public institutions, private industry, and financial organizations.